The University of Aberdeen’s annual Watt Hepburn Lecture will take place later this month (Thursday, November 20) and this year will explore the global shift from hydrocarbons to renewables.
Aberdeen Alum, award-winning layer and energy expert Adaku Ufere will deliver the lecture entitled ‘Purpose, Pivot, and Staying Power: Thriving through the Energy Transition.”
Adaku will share insights from her own journey—from oil and gas to clean energy and sustainability—offering valuable lessons on staying relevant and influential in times of transformation. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the speaker.
Attendees will gain insights into the skills and mindsets that transcend industries, learn how to recognise when it’s time to pivot, and explore what it means to lead with clarity and purpose through change. Adaku will also explore the personal side of transformation—balancing ambition with wellbeing—so that careers don’t just adapt, but truly thrive.
Adaku Ufere is an award-winning lawyer and expert in energy, gender and development – she has advised governments, multinationals and energy companies in more than 30 African countries. Adaku is an alumna of the University of Aberdeen (LLM Oil and Gas Law, ’12) and has, among many other things been named as one of the 40 under 40 leading lawyers in Nigeria, Attorney of the Year at the African Legan Awards, been a Mandela Washington Fellow and Obama Foundation leader.
The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception.
Professor John Skatun, Head of School at the Business School at the University of Aberdeen said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Adaku back to the University and are thrilled that she will deliver this year’s Watt Hepburn Lecture.
“Adaku is extremely inspiring, and I’m sure she will provide a remarkable insight into the topic of the energy landscape and how it is changing.”
The Watt Hepburn lecture series was established in 2012 thanks to a donation from Aberdeen graduate Ann Sants in memory of her father William Watt Hepburn who was an Aberdeen businessman and one of the most successful entrepreneurs of his generation.
The event will take place at the University of Aberdeen King’s College Conference Centre on Thursday 20 November at 5.30pm. The lecture is free to attend but booking is required. More information can be found here.